There are numerous types of cleanses, with some touted as more effective than others.
— Nelvin C. Cepeda

Cleansing, the natural, ongoing process of the body to rid itself of dangerous toxins, can restore body function and balance. But many people believe additional help is needed and turn to a variety of body cleanses.

Before using cleanses, it’s important to examine which cleanse is right for specific goals and complaints, experts advise.

And additional cleansing may not be right for everyone. Dr. Michael F. Picco, a gastroenterologist with the Mayo Clinic, advises taking precautions before starting a dietary cleanse or colon-cleansing regimen, including consulting with your physician if you take medications or have any health problems, particularly kidney disease. Colon cleansing, he notes, carries a risk of bowel perforations that can cause infections. And anyone partaking in cleanses needs to stay well hydrated to prevent dehydration.

Advocates of cleansing, including Ruth Guymer, owner of The Cleansing Center in San Diego, note that cleansing allows the body to be brought back to a more alkaline state. An acid environment can cause inflammation in the cells and stagnation of the lymphatic system, part of the body’s natural cleansing process.

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“Cleansing is critical in preventing sickness and ultimately glandular and organ malfunctions anywhere in the body,” Guymer said. “When cells are not able to effectively eliminate their metabolic waste via the lymphatic system, the result is a buildup of toxic waste within the tissues and eventually a decreased function of the organ/glands concerned.”

The toxic buildup can result in inflammation, pain, discomfort, digestive issues and general malaise, she said.

What Cleanse is Right for You?

There are numerous types of cleanses, with some touted as more effective than others. Benefits can include pain relief, increased energy and mental alertness, relief from the discomfort of a bloated abdomen and acid reflux, weight loss, normalizationof sleep patterns and basic body functions, and clear skin.

According to Maggie Hope, founder and owner of Body Basics Health Center in San Diego and a trained colon hydro-therapist and nutrition counselor, an individual should answer a few questions prior to deciding on the most effective cleanse.

These include: Is there a specific area of the body you are trying to cleanse? Are you trying to eat healthier and lose weight? Are you feeling bloated or constipated? Have you been diagnosed with a digestive disorder and nothing is helping or are you just plain tired?

A complete body cleanse is one of the more popular cleanses, Hope said, and is “designed to filter and eliminate harmful toxins from all seven channels of elimination: the liver, lungs, kidneys, lymphatic system, skin, blood stream and bowel or colon.”

“Seven-day cleanses are fast and easy and can easily be worked into a person’s schedule,” Hope said. “Liver cleanses are used to promote liver detoxification functions and to nourish and support healthy liver cells. Yeast or Candida cleanses are used to help control sugar imbalances and cleanse and support the balance of intestinal yeast.”

First-Time Cleansing

Other popular cleanses include juicing, diets of raw fruits and vegetables, herbs, and steam or dry saunas to eliminate toxins through the sweat glands.